Nikki Knapp relocated to northern Minnesota with her family from Iowa in 2023 and has since embraced the region as home. She currently serves as Vice President of the United Way of 1000 Lakes Board of Directors, and is passionate about strengthening the community through collaboration and service.

Professionally, Nikki works as a safety consultant. Her husband serves as an IT Director for RTX, a Fortune 500 company. Together, they have two children: their youngest recently completed his freshman year at Minnesota North’s Vermillion, where he is pursuing a career as a conservation officer. Their oldest recently relocated to Minnesota after landing a role in the Bemidji State University Athletics department.

When they’re not working or volunteering, the Knapp family enjoys spending time outdoors and making the most of Minnesota’s lakes and natural beauty.

What inspired you to be involved with United Way?

I’ve been part of United Way in so many ways over the past two decades. It started with workplace giving and now includes financial giving, volunteering at events, and serving on committees and boards. What truly inspires me is the chance to see the impact firsthand. When you volunteer with organizations like the women’s shelter or the YMCA, you see firsthand how United Way’s work ripples through the community, creating meaningful and lasting change.

What is the most rewarding thing you have taken from this experience?

For us, United Way has always been a family affair. During our time in Iowa, we brought our daughter and son came along to nearly every event. Whether it was a book drive, a packing event, a volunteer celebration, or Time for Art, they were there to experience what that time commitment brings to others.

Those early experiences built an amazing sense of service and community in them, and that’s something we’re really proud of. Our daughter even completed United Way’s BOLD program while balancing college full-time and went on to volunteer twice a week at the local shelter. She’s already participating with Bemidji’s non-profit events. Watching our children grow into compassionate, engaged individuals has been the most rewarding part of our involvement.

What is one word you would use to sum up United Way’s work?
Essential. United Way works with local agencies to address the most pressing needs in our community. They are ensuring people have access to resources that improve their quality of life.

What impresses you most about the Itasca Area?
This community may be small, but it’s creating so many innovative opportunities. I’ve been amazed by the variety of programs available here that aren’t in other large areas. One example that stands out is the Deer River Tech Hub, which, with United Way’s support, was able to expand into Grand Rapids. Bringing technology-focused programs to our rural community gives both kids and adults the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

What is one thing about United Way that you think most people don’t know?
One thing people may not realize is how carefully United Way invests in the community. There’s sometimes a misconception that funds are simply handed out to nonprofits. In reality, programs go through a rigorous application and review process to ensure that dollars are directed toward efforts that align with United Way’s pillars and provide real, measurable outcomes.

What advice would you give to a potential donor who is considering investing in United Way?
I would encourage anyone considering an investment of time or money with United Way to talk to a board member, attend an event, or volunteer so you can see the impact firsthand. Hear the story of a family who kept their home through the emergency assistance program after an unexpected job loss. Step into the Grand Rapids Tech Hub and watch students bring ideas to life with 3D printers, CNC machines, or in the sound booth. Join a Day of Action to help clear a lot for a new Itasca County Habitat for Humanity build or paint buildings to revitalize an area. When you experience it yourself, you’ll see how your support truly transforms lives in our community.